Australian Spoonwing vs Shadowdamsel

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Spoonwing Shadowdamsel
Scientific Name Chasmoptera hutti Palaemnema paulicoba
Order Neuroptera Odonata
Family Nemopteridae Platystictidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan (forewings) 35-42 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southern Australia Central America
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Australian Spoonwing

One of the few Australian nemopterids, with distinctive elongated hindwings. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia.

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Did You Know?

It is the only nemopterid genus found in Australia, making it biogeographically significant.

Shadowdamsel

A delicate damselfly that lives in deep shade along tropical forest streams.

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Did You Know?

It is restricted to pristine forested waterways and disappears when canopy is removed.